OHP gives Memorial Day weekend reminders

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers will hit the roads with vigilance over the Memorial Day weekend, in an effort to keep travelers safe.

During the 2013 Memorial Day holiday, there were seven people killed in five fatal vehicle crashes along Oklahoma roadways.

State Troopers will be participating in "Click it or Ticket" through June 2 and "Operation C.A.R.E, combined accident reduction effort.

C.A.R.E focuses on speed and driving under the influence, as well as seat belt violations.

May is also Motorcycle Safety Month and Highway Patrol officials are requesting motorists to be especially watchful for riders over the holiday weekend, as well as every day.

"The Memorial Day Holiday weekend should be a special time for families to enjoy, Patrol Chief Rick Adams said. " The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is dedicated to insuring every motorists reaches their destination safely. Troopers will be working to enforce state traffic laws, as well as, lend assistance where needed."

Not only are troopers expecting high volumes of traffic on state roads, but increase boating on state lakes is anticipated as well.

Whether on the road or on the water, a designated drive makes sense.

Boaters should remember that Senate Bill 324 changed the blood alcohol level from 0.10 to 0.08 on the water, which makes it the same as the road.

This also affects implied consent where boaters are required to provide a breath of blood test if they are arrested for BUI, boating under the influence.

Every vessel is required to carry one U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.

Life jackets must be in good serviceable condition, it needs to fit the person who intends to wear it and be readily available.

Passengers 13 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket on boats 26 feet or less in length when a vessel underway.

Life jackets are like safety belts and if used properly can save lives.

Children 12 to 16 are required by law to have a "boating safety" class before operating a personal watercraft or motorboat in excess of 10 horse-power.